Following the Seminole Wars and expansion of European American settlement into Central Florida, the Lake Wales region began attracting homesteaders looking for farmland, timber, and grazing territory. Blue Creek Southmoon remained relatively isolated due to its wet terrain and dense vegetation, but several hardy families established claims near the creek in the mid-to-late 1800s.
First Cabins and Clearings
The earliest pioneer structures were small pine-log cabins built on high ground near the creek. Settlers cleared only enough land for modest gardens, leaving most of the wilderness intact. The creek supplied water for cooking, washing, and livestock.
Cattle and Early Agriculture
Before citrus took over the region, cattle ranching dominated. The open scrublands and pine flatwoods provided natural forage, and ranchers often drove their herds along the creek’s edges. Branding parties, livestock roundups, and watering stops became common scenes.
Isolation and Self-Reliance
Blue Creek’s pioneers lived far from large towns. Supplies required long wagon trips, and families relied heavily on hunting, foraging, and bartering. Community gatherings—small though they were—often took place near the creek, where cooler temperatures and open space made socializing more pleasant.
By the dawn of the twentieth century, the settlement remained quiet but steadily growing. The creek’s dependable water and scenic setting made it attractive to the next wave of settlers: citrus growers.
The Citrus Boom: Transformation Through Agriculture
In the early 1900s, the Lake Wales area entered a golden era of citrus development. The region’s sandy ridges, frost-mitigating elevation, and warm climate made it ideal for oranges and grapefruit. As groves expanded, Blue Creek Southmoon experienced major changes that shaped its landscape for decades.
Arrival of Citrus Entrepreneurs
Small family growers established early groves along the higher edges of the creek. They planted Valencia and Hamlin varieties, as well as tangerines, taking advantage of the natural drainage. Soon, more ambitious investors purchased larger tracts, carving out grid-like patterns of citrus rows.
Irrigation and Water Management
The creek became essential for irrigation. Simple pumps and canals redirected water from wetter zones into groves during dry seasons. Although modest by modern standards, these early systems required constant manual attention.
Labor and Community Growth
Seasonal pickers, grove workers, blacksmiths, and carpenters moved into the region, bringing cultural diversity and forming small clusters of homesteads. Social life often revolved around the groves—harvest gatherings, cooperative packing efforts, and nighttime cookouts near Blue Creek.
The Rise of “Southmoon Groves”
By the 1930s, one of the larger citrus operations adopted the name Southmoon Groves, inspired by the reflective nighttime glow of the creek. The name spread informally, and locals began referring to the entire surrounding area as Blue Creek Southmoon. Crates bore the “Southmoon” label, making the name recognizable in markets beyond Lake Wales.
The citrus boom cemented the region’s economic importance, drawing more settlers and increasing its visibility. But this period of prosperity would be challenged by natural forces—and societal change. shutdown123